The Miami Herald reports that the Dolphins are currently trying to sign SS Reshad Jones to a contract extension.Jones turns 25 in February and is entering the final year of his rookie deal. He emerged as a legit top-five safety in 2012, grading out third in Pro Football Focus' ratings behind only Eric Weddle and Jairus Byrd. Jones is a building block for Kevin Coyle's defense. We'd expect him to target a deal similar to that of Raiders SS Tyvon Branch, who inked a four-year, $26.6 million contract last offseason. Branch's deal contains $17.6 million guaranteed.

He's a great young player and if we wait a season he might be more expensive. I like that we're making this move now. I hope Ireland can get it done and at a fair price. Hopefully he can lock down all or most of our veteran free agents to good deals so that we can go into the draft completely focused and ready to continue building this roster.

One example does not an argument make. There are plenty of other players who get extended and continue to improve.

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But to be a bum in years 1 and 2

Be a bum?

He was a 5th round draft choice... and actually the 32nd pick in the 5th round. Was he supposed to come in an play at a Pro Bowl level from day one? He is a guy who has always shown glimpses and the more he gets on the field the more plays he makes.

I've never heard that Reshad Jones didn't care. Soliai was in that boat, but he seems to have grown up tremendously. I think you lock up your own players until you start to successfully bring up someone to replace them. Of course, that hasn't worked out so well for the Patriots secondary until this year. My guess is that Belichick would tell you to pay the man.

As Rich mentioned, I say you pay him the money now before he has back to back great seasons and can command even more in the market. The guy deserves a nice contract. Sign him and get on down the road.

Somebody like Hartline is different. We saw consistent improvement year to year. He then got more of an opportunity and broke out.

Um... this is EXACTLY what happened with Jones.

We'll agree to disagree there.

There is nothing to disagree with here. His rookie season, he was a spot player and barely put up any numbers. Last season was his first starting and he produced more and now after one year of starting under his belt he broke out.

The more playing time he gets, the better he gets, just like Brian Hartline. And he hasn't been around as long as Hartline either.

There is nothing to disagree with here. His rookie season, he was a spot player and barely put up any numbers. Last season was his first starting and he produced more and now after one year of starting under his belt he broke out.

The more playing time he gets, the better he gets, just like Brian Hartline. And he hasn't been around as long as Hartline either.

He played last year out of necessity. He wasn't good.

I know Pro Football Focus draws mixed reviews, but they had Jones listed as the 84th Safety out of 87 in coverage in 2011. 57th ranked safety overall.

He stunk in coverage a year ago and we all saw it.

Number of snaps and number of tackles don't tell the story.

For the record, I think Jones will be a long term starter here. My point is just that to pay him like a top safety after 1 year of producing, following a very disappointing first 2 years in the league, is very risky. Too risky for my liking.